Separation of Powers and Branches of Government

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Transcript of Separation of Powers and Branches of Government

Separation of Powers and Branches of Government

Separation of PowersWhile creating the Constitution with the rest of the Framers, James Madison said that having all government power in a central gonvernment is "the very definition of tyranny." The rest of the framers agreed to divide power between three branches. This is called separation of powers.Legislative BranchThe Legislative Branch is comprised of the Senate, the House of Representatives, and Congress. Its checks include: impeaching and removing the president, overriding vetoes, impeaching and removing federal judges, and establishing lower federal courts. The Executive BranchThis branch is comprised of the President and the Vice President and enforces the law. The order of Presidential succession is the President, the V.P., the Speaker of the House, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and the Cabinet departments as listed below. Its checks include: Vetoing acts of Congress, calling special sessions of Congress, appointing federal judges, and granting reprieves and pardons for federal crimes.The Judicial BranchThe Judicial branch interprets the laws passed by Congress and sets punishments for those who break those laws. Its checks include: declaring executive acts unconstitutional, judges are free from executive control, and declaring acts of Congress unconstitutional (judicial review).Senate100 Senators- 2 for each state6 year termsMust be at least 30 years of age, a U.S. citizen for at least 9 years, and a resident of the state they represent.House of Reps435 elected members divided among the 50 state according to their population.6 non-voting members for D.C., Puerto Rico, and other territories.Members are elected every 2 years, must be at least 25 y/o, a U.S. citizen for at least 7 years, and a resident of the state they represent.

CongressControls the money for the national government.Enacts legislation.Declares war.Has the right to confirm or reject many Presidential appointmentsHas substantial investigative powers.The PresidentChief of State, Chief Executive, Chief Diplomat, Commander-in-Chief, Chief Legislator, Chief of Party, Chief Guardian of the Economy.Must be 35 years old, a natural born citizen, and live in the U.S. for at least 14 years.The Vice PresidentThe responsibilities of the V.P. include: being ready to assume the presidency at any time President of the United States Senate performing other specified duties.

The Cabinet/ Presidential SuccessionCabinet Departments:State- foreign policyTreasury- finances Defense- military security Attorney General- Interior- natural environment/resources Agriculture- agricultural production Commerce- international tradeSupreme Court JusticesCurrent members-John G. Roberts Antonin ScaliaAnthony M. Kennedy Clarence ThomasRuth Bader Ginsburg Stephen G. BreyerSamuel Anthony Alito, Jr.Sonia Sotomayor Elena KaganBased on Jim Harvey's speech structuresThe Supreme CourtThe Supreme Court is the final judge of all cases involving the Constitution and all laws made by Congress.The President nominates judges The Senate has the power to consent to or reject the nominees.Justices serve until their death, retirement, or conviction by the Senate.How Cases Reach the Supreme CourtCases involving a state or diplomatic personnel are heard by the Supreme Court first.Cases appealed from a lower federal court must have a writ of certiorari to be heard.Cases appealed from state supreme courts in which a constitutional right has been denied.Continued...Labor- workers' rightsHealth and Human Services- social securityHousing and Urban Development- community developmentTransportation- transportation policyEnergy- energy technologyEducation- education programsVeterans Affairs- veterans' servicesHomeland Security- protection against terroristsPicturesThe Legislative BranchThe Executive BranchThe Judicial Branch